Im not sure who the guy is, but the same or similar bass has been on gbase.com forever. If you got 12k burning a hole in your pocket you could round out the collection. Heres a good link to take a peek at some pics:

That's definitely the legendary "John Judge" bass. I had a long discussion with Mica about it once. Although John Judge may have disappeard into obscurity, the bass lives on! I'm guessing that's how it's going to be with my custom Alembics once I'm gone (I don't plan to ever sell them).

Isn't it the ultimate goal to have your name live on? Legend has it that John Judge only owned this Bass for 3 or 4 years before setting it free into the world. Like a child that has grown up, it is now 25 years old, it has been cared for by numerous owners, travelled many miles and above all, treated with the ultimate respect befitting an Alembic masterpiece. Throughout the years, it has always carried the name of it's father, who may or may not be reunited with it some day.

I wonder who John Judge is (or was). I admire and respect his legacy in this Bass. His name is synonymous with one of the MOST exotic Alembic creations ever, and lives on because of it.

I hope that someday when people mention my name, there's a super exotic Alembic Bass associated with it too.

I saw that same ad, when that ad was new. I remember thinking that it looked like a Series 1 bass, but where are the hum cancellers?? Anybody know? Are they in the body? Are those pups not the single coil I thought they were? Someone must know!

I believe the inestimable Mr. Judge came to a choice that led to his sad parting with this truly amazing instrument. . . . he couldn't afford the chiropractor and all those strings !

If anyone doesn't 'get it' when it comes to ALEMBIC, all they need do is look at these photos. This bass is almost supernatural, virtually other-worldly, surely off-world in origin. I have never been more proud to be a part of a tradition of engineering and artistry.

Doesn't it amaze you though, that some people find the most horrid spots for the strap buttons? I always wonder 'what were they thinking' when I see the neck button in the laminations in the heel. Oh well . . . .

Something to ponder, what would we rather own, this gorgeous piece of art, or a 2001 Chevy Cavalier that would be crushed into scrap metal in a few years. Twelve large would be cheap, considering it could bring 20 a few years hence!